I DID IT! >>>

I don't want to take all the credit for this -- as his suckiness surely had a lot to do with it -- but it was just announced that the Denver Broncos have fired coach Josh McDaniels.

I know, especially around here, this probably doesn't matter to you -- but it's a good day (finally!) to be a Bronco fan again!

Previous Cup Check McDaniels bashing

And some more ...

THURSDAY IS THE NEW FRIDAY >>>

Though musically indebted to Link Wray and Brian Wilson, the current abundance of up-and-coming surf-inspired DIY/underground acts, both local and abroad, have more in common with Dick Dale than they might imagine. Dale's been known to preach a DIY philosophy when it comes to the music business, cautioning young artists against signing with labels, instead proselytizing the merits of self-releasing material and touring aggressively. Over the course of his career, Dale's owned at least three of his own record labels (Del-Tone, Cougar, and one eponymous imprint). Arguably, Dale's splashiest forays into mainstream awareness came with the backing of more established outfits like Capitol, or indie label High Tone Records, but these days, he's as regally rebellious as ever.

Dale plays Hell's Kitchen this Thursday with the Fucking Eagles and Rat City Brass. Read my interview with Dale here.

TUESDAY, DEC. 7, 2010 >>>

1. If you're looking for a celluloid high, check out the 35^th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival at 7 p.m. inside the Rialto Theater. The festival features the best in "mountain" film from all over the world, from white water to heli-kayaking, summitting a high peak to mastering fresh powder.

2. Check out the Northwest Pastel Society's 24^th Annual International Open Exhibition from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. inside the American Art Company in downtown Tacoma.

3. Madera Architectural Elements has artisan made gifts less than $100 through the holiday season. Stop by their showroom at 2210 Court A in downtown Tacoma to score original pieces from local artisans.

4. Project:U, the United Way of Pierce County program run by 20- and 30-somethings, is hosting a fundraiser and toy drive from 4-10 p.m. at CORK! A Wine Bar.  The Sixth Avenue wine bar will donate 20 percent of all sales proceeds from tonight to the United Way of Pierce County in the fight to improve the lives of all in Pierce County. Awesome.

5. DJ Omar spins after the comedy show at 10 p.m. inside Jazzbones.

LINK: More arts and entertainment ideas in the South Sound

BANDITO BETTY LOU WHO LEAP OF THE DAY >>>

"If you can't stand this leap Chef Gordon Naccarato, you'd better get out of your kitchen because I'm the mutha elfing Foursquare Holiday Mayor of your Pacific Grill now!" screamed Bandito Betty Lou Who – our very happy friend who leaps for us on Spew. "So your noodle bar is now open everyday at 2 p.m. Well la-di-da. Can your noodles do THIS!"

Read more...

DONATE TO A LOCAL CHARITY >>>

There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Santa Silvia

El Gaucho
Bring toys 4-11 p.m daily through Thursday, Dec. 23.
2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma
253.882.0009

You know that shoe box you're currently using to store your Very Important Piece of String and the Equally Necessary Plastic Fork?  The one labeled Toolbox? 'Tis the season to put your pack rat tendencies to good use. Transfer the contents of your toolbox to that plastic-lined container you keep in the kitchen and fill up the shoebox with toys. Then bring your box of toys and other unwrapped gifts to El Gaucho Tacoma Bartender/Santa Silvia Cordova-Tapia. For the 10^th year, she's collecting toys that she'll deliver Christmas Eve to sick kids at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.

We're freaking tearing up as we write. So awesome.

Read more...

YIPPEE! >>>

Metro Parks removed the fence around the new playground equipment at Old Town Park in Tacoma. While this messes with the Old Town Blues Fest's beer garden, the thought of sliding in Old Town is quite exciting.

LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Hell's Kitchen Tacoma - Downtown. Neutralboy, Murderland, Y.I.A., Dead Peasants. 21+. 7:30 pm. NC.

The New Frontier Lounge Tacoma - Dome District. Tigon, Arpeggiator. 21+. 8 pm.

• Tuesday night shows in a town far from home are the kind of thing that can forever bond a band or tear the heart out of it. With the Bay Area's Tigon, set to hit the New Frontier in Tacoma tonight, there's no fear. Question this band's heart, and Bobble Tiki assumes you'll get your teeth knocked in - at least sonically. Bobble Tiki has read a lot of things from a lot of people on Tigon, taking in a lot of nerdy, over-zealous, rock-journalist descriptions of the band in the process - usually centering around some sort of Botch reference, some use of the word "chaotic," some use of the word "intricate," and a near certain reference to "emo," sometimes even with a D.C. thrown in front to show off. Read more on Tigon in Bobble Tiki's column here. - Bobble Tiki

O'Blarney's Irish Pub Olympia - Eastside. Irish Sessions. Live traditional Irish music. 7:30 pm. NC.

Red Wind Casino Yelm. Danny Vernon's Illusions Of Elvis. 21+. 6:30 pm. NC.

Stonegate Pizza Tacoma - South. Blues Jam. Rafael Traquilino hosts rockin' blues jam in the rum lounge. 21+. 8 pm. NC.

Summit Pub Puyallup. Tim Hall & The Band Real Times. 21+. 7:30 pm

Traditions Cafe and World Folk Art Olympia - Downtown. Oly Songwriter Circle. All Ages. 7 pm. NC.

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound

CHEEKBONE ALERT >>>

Typically, or at least as much as possible, we send our very own Rev. Adam McKinney out to big movie screenings so he can review them for you here in the Volcano. McKinney is one of our area's only remaining local film critics, so it's something we take a great deal of pride in. Plus, he bagged the shit out of Ben Affleck's The Town, which is pretty respectable.

That said, when McKinney attempted to get into a recent screening of The Tourist, starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie and opening this week, he was denied at the door - told he simply wasn't sexy enough to make the cut ... something about the pout of his lips lacking punch. Talk about harsh.

So, as a backup plan we've called on our old friend Roger Ebert - who will be providing his review of The Tourist in this week's paper. Apparently, a hyper-active Twitter account is very sexy these days.

In any regard, here's a peak at the movies' trailer to get your juices flowing Talk about sex appeal!

This week ...

Thing: Spartacus T. Ladle of Infinite Soups

Stats: 13-inch handle, stainless steel, 6-ounce bowl

Washed: Daily

Scoops Per Hour (SPH): +/- 200

Weight: 0.42 ounces

Alternative uses: back-scratching, spanking, weapon

Nickname: Spartacus

Nickname in the '70s: Spoonflower

Favorite Song: "The Underdog" by Spoon

Would come back in another life as: Vichyssoise

Regrets: "Not being in that Soundgarden video"

Annoyances: Spoonerisms, especially "Nucking Futs"

Spartacus T. Ladle resides with his adopted parents, Todd and Wendy, inside Tacoma's  Infinite Soups. His date of birth is unknown, but that doesn't stop him from celebrating every day as though it's his birthday. Dip by dip, Spartacus takes the plunge into mouthwatering, tummy-warming homemade soups with a zest that changes daily.

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BANDITO BETTY LOU WHO LEAP OF THE DAY >>>

"You might be one of Tacoma's Most Sexy Business Owners Melanie Manista-Rushforth, but I'm the mutha elfing Foursquare Holiday Mayor of your Rushforth Wheels now!" screamed Bandito Betty Lou Who – our very happy friend who leaps for us on Spew. "Don't even try to block me with stacks of your Six Shooters or Super Spokes wheels. I'll leap right over those suckers!"

Read more...